Bert and Bert

Norbert Geelen and Robert Kilders studied Industrial Design at Essen University from 1989 onwards. Robert Kilders won a scholarship to study at the University of Applied Art in Vienna in 1992/93, while Norbert Geelen studied Transportation Design at the Royal College of Arts, London, on a scholarship in 1995.

Their paths crossed again in the design metropolis of Milan where Robert Kilders had already been working since 1994 as a freelancer in Matteo Thun's design studio. Norbert Geelen also joined the Thun Studio at the end of 1995. In 1997, the two men eventually set up in business on their own as bert&bert Industrial Design; the following years saw them working for renowned clients including Villeroy & Boch, Sedus, Schott and Leonardo, concentrating on tableware and office furniture.

bert&bert has been carried on as a project-based cooperation since 2005.